Jaron 'Boots' Ennis Dominates Uisma Lima in Seconds, Eyes Vergil Ortiz Showdown Next - ESPN
Andreas Hale | October 11, 2025, 11:40 PM ET
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Andreas Hale serves as a dedicated combat sports journalist for ESPN, diving deep into the worlds of MMA, boxing, and professional wrestling. When he's not chasing the latest fight news, Andreas unwinds by immersing himself in video games, geeking out over his favorite music tracks, and cheering on his beloved Chicago White Sox and San Francisco 49ers. He's also a dynamic host on Sirius XM's Fight Nation show. Prior to his role at ESPN, Andreas honed his skills as a senior writer for DAZN and Sporting News. His journey in journalism kicked off in the music scene, where he contributed to publications like HipHopDX, The Grammys, and Jay-Z's Life+Times. On top of that, he's an acclaimed filmmaker, earning an NAACP Image Award nomination in 2024 as a producer for the inspiring animated short 'Bridges.'
Imagine stepping into the ring as an undefeated boxing phenom and wrapping up the fight before most fans even settle into their seats—that's exactly what Jaron 'Boots' Ennis delivered in a jaw-dropping performance that left everyone buzzing. In his debut at the 154-pound junior middleweight division, Ennis dismantled Uisma Lima with ruthless efficiency, scoring two knockdowns and prompting a first-round stoppage after just two minutes at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center, right in his own backyard.
From the outset, this bout screamed mismatch, and it unfolded even more lopsided than anyone predicted. Ennis, now boasting a perfect record of 35-0 with 31 knockouts, wasted no time overwhelming Lima, an opponent who simply couldn't keep up. As a former welterweight champion who's mastered the art of switch-hitting—meaning he fluidly switches between orthodox and southpaw stances to confuse and outmaneuver foes—Ennis transitioned seamlessly to his new weight class and claimed the interim WBA junior middleweight title. For beginners in boxing, switch-hitting is like having a secret weapon; it keeps opponents guessing and opens up unexpected angles for powerful shots.
Reflecting on his dominant display, Ennis kept it straightforward: 'I handled business like I had to. Now I'm planted at 154 pounds, and I've made my point loud and clear—line up those big challenges for me.'
The action exploded right away with both fighters trading left hooks, but Ennis surged ahead. He planted his feet, unleashed a vicious left hook that cracked against Lima's head from the side, and chained it into a flurry of punches that sent his rival tumbling to the canvas for the first knockdown. Lima, whose record stands at 14-2 with 10 KOs, staggered back up, but the damage was evident—he was wobbly and disoriented from the barrage. True to his relentless style, Ennis didn't give an inch, peppering Lima with a storm of shots to the head and midsection that floored him once more. Lima rose again, but he was out of gas, offering no real defense as Ennis tore into him with another devastating combo. At 1:58 into the round, the referee stepped in wisely to end the one-sided affair and spare Lima further punishment.
But here's where it gets controversial: Ennis followed up with confidence, declaring, 'I've broadcast a major signal out there. Everyone knows the score, and they know exactly who I'm targeting next.' Some fans and critics had questioned whether this matchup was too easy, pointing out that Lima's career lacked any top-tier tests, almost like pitting a pro against a sparring partner. It sparked debates about whether Ennis was cherry-picking to pad his stats rather than proving himself against elite competition. Yet, Ennis turned that narrative on its head, using the win to propel toward bigger stakes.
This victory paves the way for what could be an explosive clash with Vergil Ortiz, the unbeaten interim WBC champion at 154 pounds, who's set to tangle with Erickson Rubin on November 8. The two were rumored for a blockbuster earlier this year, but it fell through the cracks. With the Lima fight in the rearview—despite the backlash for its perceived lack of challenge—Ennis is convinced nothing will block a 2026 showdown with Ortiz. And this is the part most people miss: by calling out Ortiz so boldly, Ennis isn't just gunning for one rival; he's staking his claim on the entire division.
'It's happening soon,' Ennis asserted, throwing shade at the top contenders in the 154-pound ranks. 'I get that Ortiz has his own battle ahead. But my next move is Vergil Ortiz. If he's not game, I'll step up against Jermell Charlo, Sebastian Fundora, or Xander Zayas—anyone in this weight class. The throne is mine for the taking.'
Ennis's swagger here raises some intriguing questions: Is he right to demand Ortiz right away, or should he climb the ladder more gradually to silence the doubters? And what about that counterpoint—could picking apart weaker opponents actually be a smart strategy to build momentum without risking injury? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments: Do you see Ennis dominating the division, or is there a fighter out there who could finally hand 'Boots' his first loss? Share your predictions and let's discuss!
